Author: Sonja Batten
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446210049
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 137
Book Description
′The literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is vast but if you want to dig down to the essentials of ACT you′ve found the right volume. Nothing central is left out and nothing unnecessary is left in. Written by one of the world′s experts on ACT, this book delivers. Highly recommended.′ - Dr Steven C. Hayes, Foundation Professor, University of Nevada This practical, easy-to-use book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key contextual third wave CBT approach. The book takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. This is a uniquely concise and clear introduction that does not require prior knowledge of the approach. It " puts the emphasis on practical interventions and direct applicability in real practice " avoids jargon and complex language " is full of case examples to translate the theory into practice " includes key points and questions to test readers′ comprehension of the topics covered. After reading this book, readers will be able to apply basic ACT interventions for common problems, and will know if they are interested in more in-depth training in ACT. This is a must-have overview of ACT for CBT trainees on graduate level courses in the UK and worldwide. It will also be of value to practitioners on ACT workshops and short courses, as preliminary or follow-up reading.
Essentials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Author: Sonja Batten
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446210049
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 137
Book Description
′The literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is vast but if you want to dig down to the essentials of ACT you′ve found the right volume. Nothing central is left out and nothing unnecessary is left in. Written by one of the world′s experts on ACT, this book delivers. Highly recommended.′ - Dr Steven C. Hayes, Foundation Professor, University of Nevada This practical, easy-to-use book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key contextual third wave CBT approach. The book takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. This is a uniquely concise and clear introduction that does not require prior knowledge of the approach. It " puts the emphasis on practical interventions and direct applicability in real practice " avoids jargon and complex language " is full of case examples to translate the theory into practice " includes key points and questions to test readers′ comprehension of the topics covered. After reading this book, readers will be able to apply basic ACT interventions for common problems, and will know if they are interested in more in-depth training in ACT. This is a must-have overview of ACT for CBT trainees on graduate level courses in the UK and worldwide. It will also be of value to practitioners on ACT workshops and short courses, as preliminary or follow-up reading.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446210049
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 137
Book Description
′The literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is vast but if you want to dig down to the essentials of ACT you′ve found the right volume. Nothing central is left out and nothing unnecessary is left in. Written by one of the world′s experts on ACT, this book delivers. Highly recommended.′ - Dr Steven C. Hayes, Foundation Professor, University of Nevada This practical, easy-to-use book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key contextual third wave CBT approach. The book takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. This is a uniquely concise and clear introduction that does not require prior knowledge of the approach. It " puts the emphasis on practical interventions and direct applicability in real practice " avoids jargon and complex language " is full of case examples to translate the theory into practice " includes key points and questions to test readers′ comprehension of the topics covered. After reading this book, readers will be able to apply basic ACT interventions for common problems, and will know if they are interested in more in-depth training in ACT. This is a must-have overview of ACT for CBT trainees on graduate level courses in the UK and worldwide. It will also be of value to practitioners on ACT workshops and short courses, as preliminary or follow-up reading.
The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix
Author: Kevin L. Polk
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1626253625
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 477
Book Description
The ACT Matrix revolutionized contextual behavioral science. Now, the creators of this pioneering new model present the first detailed, step-by-step guide to help professionals implement the ACT Matrix in clinical practice and improve clients’ psychological flexibility. If you’re a clinician, you know that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is extremely effective in helping clients who are “stuck” in unhealthy thought patterns by encouraging them align their values with their thoughts and actions. However, the ACT model is complex, and it's not always easy to use. Enter the ACT Matrix, a seamless fusion of the six core processes of the ACT hexaflex—cognitive defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, observing the self, values, and committed action—into a simplified, easy-to-apply approach. From the editors of The ACT Matrix, The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix offers professionals a comprehensive guide to using the innovative Matrix model in-session. With this book, you’ll learn how to help your clients break free from painful psychological traps and live more meaningful lives. You’ll also learn how client actions and behavior should be viewed as workable or unworkable, rather than good or bad. Most importantly, you'll discover how this unique approach can be used to deliver ACT more effectively in a variety of settings and contexts, even when clients are resistant or unmotivated to participate. This book is essential for any ACT clinician looking to simplify their therapeutic approach in client sessions.
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1626253625
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 477
Book Description
The ACT Matrix revolutionized contextual behavioral science. Now, the creators of this pioneering new model present the first detailed, step-by-step guide to help professionals implement the ACT Matrix in clinical practice and improve clients’ psychological flexibility. If you’re a clinician, you know that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is extremely effective in helping clients who are “stuck” in unhealthy thought patterns by encouraging them align their values with their thoughts and actions. However, the ACT model is complex, and it's not always easy to use. Enter the ACT Matrix, a seamless fusion of the six core processes of the ACT hexaflex—cognitive defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, observing the self, values, and committed action—into a simplified, easy-to-apply approach. From the editors of The ACT Matrix, The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix offers professionals a comprehensive guide to using the innovative Matrix model in-session. With this book, you’ll learn how to help your clients break free from painful psychological traps and live more meaningful lives. You’ll also learn how client actions and behavior should be viewed as workable or unworkable, rather than good or bad. Most importantly, you'll discover how this unique approach can be used to deliver ACT more effectively in a variety of settings and contexts, even when clients are resistant or unmotivated to participate. This book is essential for any ACT clinician looking to simplify their therapeutic approach in client sessions.
Learning ACT
Author: Jason B. Luoma
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1626259518
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 646
Book Description
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is among the most remarkable developments in contemporary psychotherapy. This second edition of the pioneering ACT skills-training manual for clinicians provides a comprehensive update—essential for both experienced practitioners and those new to using ACT and its applications. ACT is a proven-effective treatment for numerous mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and more. With important revisions based on new developments in contextual behavioral science, Learning ACT, Second Edition includes up-to-date exercises and references, as well as material on traditional, evidence-based behavioral techniques for use within the ACT framework. In this fully revised and updated edition of Learning ACT, you’ll find workbook-format exercises to help you understand and take advantage of ACT’s unique six process model—both as a tool for diagnosis and case conceptualization, and as a basis for structuring treatments for clients. You’ll also find up-to-the-minute information on process coaching, new experiential exercises, an increased focus on functional analysis, and downloadable extras that include role-played examples of the core ACT processes in action. By practicing the exercises in this workbook, you’ll learn how this powerful modality can improve clients’ psychological flexibility and help them to live better lives. Whether you’re a clinician looking for in-depth training and better treatment outcomes for individual clients, a student seeking a better understanding of this powerful modality, or anyone interested in contextual behavioral science, this second edition provides a comprehensive revision to an important ACT resource.
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1626259518
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 646
Book Description
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is among the most remarkable developments in contemporary psychotherapy. This second edition of the pioneering ACT skills-training manual for clinicians provides a comprehensive update—essential for both experienced practitioners and those new to using ACT and its applications. ACT is a proven-effective treatment for numerous mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and more. With important revisions based on new developments in contextual behavioral science, Learning ACT, Second Edition includes up-to-date exercises and references, as well as material on traditional, evidence-based behavioral techniques for use within the ACT framework. In this fully revised and updated edition of Learning ACT, you’ll find workbook-format exercises to help you understand and take advantage of ACT’s unique six process model—both as a tool for diagnosis and case conceptualization, and as a basis for structuring treatments for clients. You’ll also find up-to-the-minute information on process coaching, new experiential exercises, an increased focus on functional analysis, and downloadable extras that include role-played examples of the core ACT processes in action. By practicing the exercises in this workbook, you’ll learn how this powerful modality can improve clients’ psychological flexibility and help them to live better lives. Whether you’re a clinician looking for in-depth training and better treatment outcomes for individual clients, a student seeking a better understanding of this powerful modality, or anyone interested in contextual behavioral science, this second edition provides a comprehensive revision to an important ACT resource.
A Liberated Mind
Author: Steven Hayes
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473550637
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 321
Book Description
Over the last 35 years, Steven C. Hayes and his colleagues have developed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with many hundreds of studies supporting the impact of his approach on everything from chronic pain to weight loss to prejudice and bigotry. A Liberated Mind is the summary of Steven’s life’s work which will teach readers how to live better, happier and more fulfilled lives by applying the six key processes of ACT. Put together these processes teach us to pivot: to “defuse” rather than fuse with our thoughts; to see life from a new perspective; and to discover our chosen values, those qualities of being that fuel meaning. Steve shares fascinating research results like how ACT techniques decreased typing errors on a clerical test or showed that positive affirmations actually increase negative emotion. And he weaves them with stories of clients and colleagues as well as his own riveting story of healing himself of a severe panic disorder, which is how the idea of psychological flexibility was born. A Liberated Mind is a powerful and important book about a new form of psychology, destined to become a modern classic of narrative psychology on par with Daring Greatly and Rising Strong by Brene Brown, or Carol Dweck’s Mindset.
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473550637
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 321
Book Description
Over the last 35 years, Steven C. Hayes and his colleagues have developed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with many hundreds of studies supporting the impact of his approach on everything from chronic pain to weight loss to prejudice and bigotry. A Liberated Mind is the summary of Steven’s life’s work which will teach readers how to live better, happier and more fulfilled lives by applying the six key processes of ACT. Put together these processes teach us to pivot: to “defuse” rather than fuse with our thoughts; to see life from a new perspective; and to discover our chosen values, those qualities of being that fuel meaning. Steve shares fascinating research results like how ACT techniques decreased typing errors on a clerical test or showed that positive affirmations actually increase negative emotion. And he weaves them with stories of clients and colleagues as well as his own riveting story of healing himself of a severe panic disorder, which is how the idea of psychological flexibility was born. A Liberated Mind is a powerful and important book about a new form of psychology, destined to become a modern classic of narrative psychology on par with Daring Greatly and Rising Strong by Brene Brown, or Carol Dweck’s Mindset.
A Practical Guide to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Author: Steven C. Hayes
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387233695
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 418
Book Description
This book is the most practical clinical guide on Acceptance and Commit ment Therapy (ACT said as one word, not as initials) yet available. It is designed to show how the ACT model and techniques apply to various disorders, settings, and delivery options. The authors of these chapters are experts in applying ACT in these various areas, and it is intriguing how the same core principles of ACT are given a nip here and a tuck there to fit it to so many issues. The purpose of this book, in part, is to emboldened researchers and clinicians to begin to apply ACT wherever it seems to fit. The chapters in the book demonstrate that ACT may be a useful treat ment approach for a very wide range of clinical problems. Already there are controlled data in many of these areas, and soon that database will be much larger. The theory underlying ACT (Relational Frame Theory or "RFT"-and yes, here you say the initials) makes a powerful claim: psy chopathology is, to a significant degree, built into human language. Fur ther, it suggests ways to diminish destructive language-based functions and ways of augmenting helpful ones. To the extent that this model is cor rect, ACT should apply to a very wide variety of behavioral issues because of the centrality of language and cognition in human functioning.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387233695
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 418
Book Description
This book is the most practical clinical guide on Acceptance and Commit ment Therapy (ACT said as one word, not as initials) yet available. It is designed to show how the ACT model and techniques apply to various disorders, settings, and delivery options. The authors of these chapters are experts in applying ACT in these various areas, and it is intriguing how the same core principles of ACT are given a nip here and a tuck there to fit it to so many issues. The purpose of this book, in part, is to emboldened researchers and clinicians to begin to apply ACT wherever it seems to fit. The chapters in the book demonstrate that ACT may be a useful treat ment approach for a very wide range of clinical problems. Already there are controlled data in many of these areas, and soon that database will be much larger. The theory underlying ACT (Relational Frame Theory or "RFT"-and yes, here you say the initials) makes a powerful claim: psy chopathology is, to a significant degree, built into human language. Fur ther, it suggests ways to diminish destructive language-based functions and ways of augmenting helpful ones. To the extent that this model is cor rect, ACT should apply to a very wide variety of behavioral issues because of the centrality of language and cognition in human functioning.
Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Author: Debrin P. Goubert, M.D.
Publisher: American Psychiatric Pub
ISBN: 1615371737
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
The Benefits of ACT in Psychiatric Practice : Letters From the Front Lines -- An Overview of ACT : From Basic Behavioral Science Foundations to a Model of Human Resilience -- The Practice of Functional Psychiatry -- Learning to Treat Your Patient With CARE : Mastering the Basic Moves of ACT -- ACT Dancing : Learning Advanced ACT Moves -- The Art and Science of Functional Psychopharmacology -- ACT in Outpatient Psychiatric Practice -- ACT in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry -- ACT in the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit -- Teaching ACT in Residency, Institutional, and Programmatic Settings.
Publisher: American Psychiatric Pub
ISBN: 1615371737
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
The Benefits of ACT in Psychiatric Practice : Letters From the Front Lines -- An Overview of ACT : From Basic Behavioral Science Foundations to a Model of Human Resilience -- The Practice of Functional Psychiatry -- Learning to Treat Your Patient With CARE : Mastering the Basic Moves of ACT -- ACT Dancing : Learning Advanced ACT Moves -- The Art and Science of Functional Psychopharmacology -- ACT in Outpatient Psychiatric Practice -- ACT in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry -- ACT in the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit -- Teaching ACT in Residency, Institutional, and Programmatic Settings.
Essentials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Author: Sonja Batten
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446242684
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 138
Book Description
′The literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is vast but if you want to dig down to the essentials of ACT you′ve found the right volume. Nothing central is left out and nothing unnecessary is left in. Written by one of the world′s experts on ACT, this book delivers. Highly recommended.′ - Dr Steven C. Hayes, Foundation Professor, University of Nevada This practical, easy-to-use book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key contextual third wave CBT approach. The book takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. This is a uniquely concise and clear introduction that does not require prior knowledge of the approach. It " puts the emphasis on practical interventions and direct applicability in real practice " avoids jargon and complex language " is full of case examples to translate the theory into practice " includes key points and questions to test readers′ comprehension of the topics covered. After reading this book, readers will be able to apply basic ACT interventions for common problems, and will know if they are interested in more in-depth training in ACT. This is a must-have overview of ACT for CBT trainees on graduate level courses in the UK and worldwide. It will also be of value to practitioners on ACT workshops and short courses, as preliminary or follow-up reading.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446242684
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 138
Book Description
′The literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is vast but if you want to dig down to the essentials of ACT you′ve found the right volume. Nothing central is left out and nothing unnecessary is left in. Written by one of the world′s experts on ACT, this book delivers. Highly recommended.′ - Dr Steven C. Hayes, Foundation Professor, University of Nevada This practical, easy-to-use book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key contextual third wave CBT approach. The book takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. This is a uniquely concise and clear introduction that does not require prior knowledge of the approach. It " puts the emphasis on practical interventions and direct applicability in real practice " avoids jargon and complex language " is full of case examples to translate the theory into practice " includes key points and questions to test readers′ comprehension of the topics covered. After reading this book, readers will be able to apply basic ACT interventions for common problems, and will know if they are interested in more in-depth training in ACT. This is a must-have overview of ACT for CBT trainees on graduate level courses in the UK and worldwide. It will also be of value to practitioners on ACT workshops and short courses, as preliminary or follow-up reading.
ACT in Practice
Author: Patricia A. Bach
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1608826295
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is more than just a set of techniques for structuring psychotherapeutic treatment; it also offers a new, insightful, transdiagnostic approach to case conceptualization and to mental health in general. Learn to put this popular new psychotherapeutic model to work in your practice with this book, the first guide that explains how to do case conceptualization within an ACT framework. ACT in Practice offers an introduction to ACT, an overview of its impact, and a brief introduction to the six core processes of ACT treatment--the six points of the hexaflex model and its pathological alter ego, the so-called inflexahex. It describes how to accomplish case conceptualizations in general and offers précis of the literature that establish the importance and value of case conceptualization. This guide also offers possible alternative case conceptualization for cases from different therapeutic traditions, a great help to therapists who come from a more traditional CBT background. Exercises throughout help you to evaluate the information you have just learned so that you may effectively integrate ACT into your practice.
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1608826295
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is more than just a set of techniques for structuring psychotherapeutic treatment; it also offers a new, insightful, transdiagnostic approach to case conceptualization and to mental health in general. Learn to put this popular new psychotherapeutic model to work in your practice with this book, the first guide that explains how to do case conceptualization within an ACT framework. ACT in Practice offers an introduction to ACT, an overview of its impact, and a brief introduction to the six core processes of ACT treatment--the six points of the hexaflex model and its pathological alter ego, the so-called inflexahex. It describes how to accomplish case conceptualizations in general and offers précis of the literature that establish the importance and value of case conceptualization. This guide also offers possible alternative case conceptualization for cases from different therapeutic traditions, a great help to therapists who come from a more traditional CBT background. Exercises throughout help you to evaluate the information you have just learned so that you may effectively integrate ACT into your practice.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Author: Steven C. Hayes
Publisher: Theories of Psychotherapy
ISBN: 9781433811531
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique empirically-based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness processes, and commitment and behaviour change processes to produce psychological flexibility. Steven C. Hayes, who helped develop ACT, and co-author Jason Lillis provide an overview of ACT's main influences and its basic principles In this succinct and understandable survey, the authors show how ACT illuminates the ways that language encourages unhelpful skirmishing in clients' psychic lives, and how to use ACT to help clients accept private experiences, become more mindful of thoughts, develop greater clarity about personal values, and commit to needed behaviour change. The latest edition in the Theories of Psychotherapy Series. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy examines the therapy's history and process, evaluates the therapy's evidence base and effectiveness, and suggests future directions in the therapy's development..
Publisher: Theories of Psychotherapy
ISBN: 9781433811531
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique empirically-based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness processes, and commitment and behaviour change processes to produce psychological flexibility. Steven C. Hayes, who helped develop ACT, and co-author Jason Lillis provide an overview of ACT's main influences and its basic principles In this succinct and understandable survey, the authors show how ACT illuminates the ways that language encourages unhelpful skirmishing in clients' psychic lives, and how to use ACT to help clients accept private experiences, become more mindful of thoughts, develop greater clarity about personal values, and commit to needed behaviour change. The latest edition in the Theories of Psychotherapy Series. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy examines the therapy's history and process, evaluates the therapy's evidence base and effectiveness, and suggests future directions in the therapy's development..
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Author: Georg H. Eifert
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1572246863
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
Acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT (pronounced as a word rather than letters), is an emerging psychotherapeutic technique first developed into a complete system in the book Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Steven Hayes, Kirk Strosahl, and Kelly Wilson. ACT marks what some call a third wave in behavior therapy. To understand what this means, it helps to know that the first wave refers to traditional behavior therapy, which works to replace harmful behaviors with constructive ones through a learning principle called conditioning. Cognitive therapy, the second wave of behavior therapy, seeks to change problem behaviors by changing the thoughts that cause and perpetuate them. In the third wave, behavior therapists have begun to explore traditionally nonclinical treatment techniques like acceptance, mindfulness, cognitive defusion, dialectics, values, spirituality, and relationship development. These therapies reexamine the causes and diagnoses of psychological problems, the treatment goals of psychotherapy, and even the definition of mental illness itself. ACT earns its place in the third wave by reevaluating the traditional assumptions and goals of psychotherapy. The theoretical literature on which ACT is based questions our basic understanding of mental illness. It argues that the static condition of even mentally healthy individuals is one of suffering and struggle, so our grounds for calling one behavior 'normal' and another 'disordered' are murky at best. Instead of focusing on diagnosis and symptom etiology as a foundation for treatment-a traditional approach that implies, at least on some level, that there is something 'wrong' with the client-ACT therapists begin treatment by encouraging the client to accept without judgment the circumstances of his or her life as they are. Then therapists guide clients through a process of identifying a set of core values. The focus of therapy thereafter is making short and long term commitments to act in ways that affirm and further this set of values. Generally, the issue of diagnosing and treating a specific mental illness is set aside; in therapy, healing comes as a result of living a value-driven life rather than controlling or eradicating a particular set of symptoms. Emerging therapies like ACT are absolutely the most current clinical techniques available to therapists. They are quickly becoming the focus of major clinical conferences, publications, and research. More importantly, these therapies represent an exciting advance in the treatment of mental illness and, therefore, a real opportunity to alleviate suffering and improve people's lives. Not surprisingly, many therapists are eager to include ACT in their practices. ACT is well supported by theoretical publications and clinical research; what it has lacked, until the publication of this book, is a practical guide showing therapists exactly how to put these powerful new techniques to work for their own clients. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders adapts the principles of ACT into practical, step-by-step clinical methods that therapists can easily integrate into their practices. The book focuses on the broad class of anxiety disorders, the most common group of mental illnesses, which includes general anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Written with therapists in mind, this book is easy to navigate, allowing busy professionals to find the information they need when they need it. It includes detailed examples of individual therapy sessions as well as many worksheets and exercises, the very important 'homework' clients do at home to reinforce work they do in the office. The book comes with a CD-ROM that includes electronic versions of all of the worksheets in the book as well as PowerPoint and audio features that make learning and teaching these techniques easy and engagin
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1572246863
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
Acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT (pronounced as a word rather than letters), is an emerging psychotherapeutic technique first developed into a complete system in the book Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Steven Hayes, Kirk Strosahl, and Kelly Wilson. ACT marks what some call a third wave in behavior therapy. To understand what this means, it helps to know that the first wave refers to traditional behavior therapy, which works to replace harmful behaviors with constructive ones through a learning principle called conditioning. Cognitive therapy, the second wave of behavior therapy, seeks to change problem behaviors by changing the thoughts that cause and perpetuate them. In the third wave, behavior therapists have begun to explore traditionally nonclinical treatment techniques like acceptance, mindfulness, cognitive defusion, dialectics, values, spirituality, and relationship development. These therapies reexamine the causes and diagnoses of psychological problems, the treatment goals of psychotherapy, and even the definition of mental illness itself. ACT earns its place in the third wave by reevaluating the traditional assumptions and goals of psychotherapy. The theoretical literature on which ACT is based questions our basic understanding of mental illness. It argues that the static condition of even mentally healthy individuals is one of suffering and struggle, so our grounds for calling one behavior 'normal' and another 'disordered' are murky at best. Instead of focusing on diagnosis and symptom etiology as a foundation for treatment-a traditional approach that implies, at least on some level, that there is something 'wrong' with the client-ACT therapists begin treatment by encouraging the client to accept without judgment the circumstances of his or her life as they are. Then therapists guide clients through a process of identifying a set of core values. The focus of therapy thereafter is making short and long term commitments to act in ways that affirm and further this set of values. Generally, the issue of diagnosing and treating a specific mental illness is set aside; in therapy, healing comes as a result of living a value-driven life rather than controlling or eradicating a particular set of symptoms. Emerging therapies like ACT are absolutely the most current clinical techniques available to therapists. They are quickly becoming the focus of major clinical conferences, publications, and research. More importantly, these therapies represent an exciting advance in the treatment of mental illness and, therefore, a real opportunity to alleviate suffering and improve people's lives. Not surprisingly, many therapists are eager to include ACT in their practices. ACT is well supported by theoretical publications and clinical research; what it has lacked, until the publication of this book, is a practical guide showing therapists exactly how to put these powerful new techniques to work for their own clients. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders adapts the principles of ACT into practical, step-by-step clinical methods that therapists can easily integrate into their practices. The book focuses on the broad class of anxiety disorders, the most common group of mental illnesses, which includes general anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Written with therapists in mind, this book is easy to navigate, allowing busy professionals to find the information they need when they need it. It includes detailed examples of individual therapy sessions as well as many worksheets and exercises, the very important 'homework' clients do at home to reinforce work they do in the office. The book comes with a CD-ROM that includes electronic versions of all of the worksheets in the book as well as PowerPoint and audio features that make learning and teaching these techniques easy and engagin